Lifeline service hit by strikes

A LIFELINE bus service for Middleton pensioners and disabled will be hit by a series of one-day strikes by drivers involved in a pay dispute. The first stoppage is planned for today, Thursday 12 February.

A LIFELINE bus service for Middleton pensioners and disabled will be hit by a series of one-day strikes by drivers involved in a pay dispute. The first stoppage is planned for today, Thursday 12 February.

The Ring and Ride service provides door-to-door service on request and is used by many pensioners and disabled people for trips to the shops, doctors, dentists and leisure outings.

One pensioner, Betty Stock of Alkrington said: "We all support the drivers, who go out of the way to help their passengers. They help you on with your trolleys and carry your bags to the doorstep. I use the bus twice a week to go to the supermarket and when I wasn't there one day the driver made enquiries with my neighbours to ensure I was all right."

Another regular user Wynn Knowles of Boarshaw said: "We're all behind the drivers. They're as upset as we are that things have reached a stage where they have no alternative but to walk out. A lot of people will be affected."

The drivers plan to picket the local depot in Frederick Street, Oldham today.

A spokesman for GMPTE said: "Following protracted negotiations with the drivers' union, Ring and Ride operator Greater Manchester Accessible Transport Limited (GMATL) made a final offer to increase wages to £6.40 per hour from July (a 9.2 per cent increase over two years). This did not meet the union demand for £6.50 per hour."

"GMPTE has since been notified that drivers will be calling four one-day strikes in support of their wage claim. The days for these strikes are 12, 18, 26 February and 3 March."

"We are still working hard with GMATL and the unions to try to resolve the issues behind the dispute. In the meantime, steps have been taken to minimise the disruption to Ring and Ride users. Regular service users have been notified of the strike dates in advance so that, wherever possible, journeys can be rearranged for alternative days. This approach will be effective for many regular Ring and Ride trips, which do not necessarily have to be made on a particular day."

"Naturally we are sorry if any users are inconvenienced by the strikes and we would like to assure them that we are trying to reach a swift and amicable resolution."